Moving to Canada as an international student can be an exciting opportunity—but it also comes with challenges, particularly when settling into a new city and finding a place to live. Maple News offers essential advice to help students ease this transition and avoid common housing pitfalls.
One of the most important steps before renting a home is understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Tenant rights in Canada vary by province and territory, so it’s crucial to review the local regulations where you’ll be studying. Some regulations include how much notice landlords must give before inspections or rent increases, and how quickly repairs should be handled.
Disputes between tenants and landlords are generally managed by provincial bodies. For example, students living in Ontario would deal with the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), while those in British Columbia would approach the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB). These institutions offer helpful guidance and processes for resolving rental conflicts.
Rent control also differs across Canada. While not all provinces enforce rent caps, many have established annual limits on increases. In British Columbia, the allowable rent increase for 2024 is 3.5% and will drop to 3% in 2025. Ontario has a guideline of 2.5% for both years, but it only applies to properties built before November 15, 2018. Prince Edward Island and Manitoba also have similar rent increase policies in place.
Landlords are typically only allowed to increase rent once every 12 months and must provide written notice—in most cases, at least 90 days in advance. Additionally, landlords can only raise utility fees or other charges with the tenant’s consent. Some properties, such as luxury units or newly constructed buildings, may be exempt from these rules.
Maple News recommends international students thoroughly research their province’s tenancy laws and rent policies before signing a lease. This preparation will help ensure a smoother start to both academic and personal life in Canada.
By staying informed and proactive, international students can better protect their rights, successfully manage housing expectations, and focus on the primary reason for their move—education.